Pentagon plans record deal for over 850 Lockheed F-35 jets

The US Pentagon plans a 10-year contract to buy at least 850 additional Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, the largest in the program's 25-year history, with annual production of 156 aircraft. The deal aims to stabilise costs, secure spare parts, and strengthen supply chains. Lockheed will self-fund at least $7 billion to support the program.